The decision to postpone the judging events comes as Bpex is set to implement a new five-year marketing strategy called ‘Going for Growth’.

Keith Fisher, butchery and product development manager, explained the decision: “After 10 very successful years of staging the Regional Roadshows, a review is due to be carried out on the way in which Bpex supports independent butchers and helps them to maximise sales of pork and pork products.

“This is part of an overall review of our marketing programme, which will focus on rejuvenating the image of pork to consumers in order to help drive increased awareness of the health benefits and variety of cuts. We’ll consult on how best we can work with the independent sector in due course to ensure butchers share the benefits of our marketing programmes and will announce these plans in due course.”